I received an ARC of Father of Lions to facilitate my review.
For many of us, going to the zoo is an enjoyable outing, as it was for many in Mosul before the ISIS occupation.
This non-fiction book provides as intimate look at the struggles of fathers to keep their families safe, mothers to feed their children, and zookeepers to keep the animals alive. Abu Laith, the Father of Lions referred to in the title, is a strong-willed man intent on saving the remaining animals, much to his wife's chagrin.
After Mosul's liberation, Abu Laith becomes desperate to find food for the animals - there is barely enough food for humans. Despite his effotrts, the animals are starving. Through Facebook, an Austrian animal organization steps in and organizes its own campaign to get the animals healthy and out of Mosul.
Louise Callaghan's writing captures the terror of war, and through her research and interviews we can understand what the individuals are going through. I recommend Father of Lions.
For many of us, going to the zoo is an enjoyable outing, as it was for many in Mosul before the ISIS occupation.
This non-fiction book provides as intimate look at the struggles of fathers to keep their families safe, mothers to feed their children, and zookeepers to keep the animals alive. Abu Laith, the Father of Lions referred to in the title, is a strong-willed man intent on saving the remaining animals, much to his wife's chagrin.
After Mosul's liberation, Abu Laith becomes desperate to find food for the animals - there is barely enough food for humans. Despite his effotrts, the animals are starving. Through Facebook, an Austrian animal organization steps in and organizes its own campaign to get the animals healthy and out of Mosul.
Louise Callaghan's writing captures the terror of war, and through her research and interviews we can understand what the individuals are going through. I recommend Father of Lions.